Cripps, Charlotte; l (26 November 2003). "The creature in the garage". The Independent.co.uk . Retrieved 15 September 2008. Sobre todo, cuando lo más probable es que acabes sepultada bajo los escombros de un viejo y destartalado garaje. Tú, y el ser que acabas de descubrir: Skellig (1998) is an award winning children’s novel written by David Almond that tells the reader the story of a young boy’s mysterious discovery. Michael, age 10, acts as narrator whilst he undergoes a time of change in his life; he has recently moved house, is seeing less of his friends and his family exists in a state of anxiety following the news that his new baby sister has a dangerous heart condition. One day when exploring his new home, he discovers something strange living in his garage. Exactly what this humanoid creature is, Michael is never truly sure. All he really knows is that he appears to suffer from arthritis, loves Chinese takeaway and is called “Skellig”.

All these topics are covered from a child’s perspective therefore help children consider the feelings that may arise when someone falls ill, or they are moving in to a new house or making new friends. a b Eccleshare, Julia (30 September 2011). "Guardian children's fiction prize: the shortlist". guardian.co.uk. Retrieved 11 July 2012. The tension in the book between evolution and the existence of the supernatural was so forced that I couldn't concentrate on the characters or what they were doing; it felt a bit too much like the wife in the Murder of Gonzago. And I think this was a lost opportunity for Almond. The middle ground between science and the supernatural -- which is where I think most of the people I know personally would situate themselves -- doesn't get enough representation in our pop culture. The fight between the most credulous believers and the unbelievers gets all the play, but those folks somewhere in the middle are a bigger group by far (at least that's my guess) than the ones on the ends of the spectrum, and they are forced to listen to those who don't share their opinions all the time. Yet here, finally, they get a book looking at things from their perspective, but Almond strayed to far from just showing them the middle ground and entered the realm of lecturing on the middle ground. And that bummed me right out. the eyes of Michael, his family life and school life. The story grips you from sad situation Michael finds his Por qué esta historia toca tantos corazones? ¿Por qué lo siguen haciendo los libros de Harry Potter? Dudo mucho que sus autores sean capaces de explicarlo, lo único que sabemos hoy en día es que estas historias los escogieron a ellos para que las escribieran y así poder existir.

a b Holmwood, Leigh (2 September 2008). "Tim Roth to don wings as Skellig". The Guardian . Retrieved 2 September 2008. David Almond’s first novel Skellig is one of the most extraordinary children’s novels published in recent years and will provide children with an exciting and mysterious story that will have their imagination running wild. It is most suited to children aged 8-11.

I find this point especially interesting because I am a Christian, a woman of faith, who also loves and appreciates science. The cool thing about Christianity and evolution is that both propose a common ancestor, and both propose a link or commonality between and among all living things. Although that common ancestor may appear different, and that link or commonality is different, it doesn't change the fact that there is common ground if we're open to it. I think Almond is open to it through this book. He reveals deeper truths about faith and evolution, about faith and science, that I didn't fully notice the first time I read this book. The author intelligently builds curiosity throughout the story asking the question “what actually is Skellig?” His introvert, mysterious character adds emphasis to the slightly dark tone of the book and amplifies the tension that builds throughout. The character building is fantastically strong within the book and the story touches on many themes such as love, grief and companionship. Although the the author does cover some quite mature themes and there is the occasional but infrequent use of some mildly strong language this an ideal read for children aged between 9-15 particularly years 5 and 6. The author also references William Blake, who is a great introductory figurehead into poetry for children of this age group. The book Skellig was David Almond’s first novel, published in 1998 and received immediate claim. The book won both the Carnegie Medal (1998) and the Whitbread Children's Book Award (1998). In 2007, it was shortlisted for the Carnegie of Carnegies.

I fear my feelings about Skellig are going to disappoint you. I didn't love it. Now that could be because it came to me too late in life to truly adore the story of the strange owl/angel/man, or perhaps I am too damn jaded, or it could just be that I no longer seem able to completely enjoy something just for the sake of enjoyment. I don't like that about me, but there it is.